Comprehensive Reform

I do agree with Michael Moore in that the US system is so fragmented something must be done to change it and fast. When we were talking about comprehensive reform in the 508 lecture we sat in on, I realized just how daunting a task it would be to implement Obamacare let alone an entire National Health Service. The American people are scared of the unknown and anything that might be labeled "un-American" (whatever that means). As a society that is driven by mass media and internet news, it seems as though the correct information is not getting out there and assuring Americans that a National Health Service or comprehensive reform are good things.

There are many citizens that say they do not want to give up there private or employer based insurance plans in lieu of a national health service plan. However, as a young American and part of the next generation of Americans with insufficient health care, I am frightened that if something isn't done soon the system will continue to get worse. Myself and many others my age that I know are currently in high risk plans or uninsured because insurance companies are so picky about who they choose to insure.

The advantages to a National Health System are that everyone will be insured, there will be no uninsured citizens being treated at emergency facilities and rising up costs, insurance, medical and pharmaceutical bills will most likely be much lower, employers will not have to provide costly insurance for their employees, hopefully defensive medicine and unneccessary tests will be reduced, and last (we can only hope) maybe we will bring the focus back to preventative care and improve the care given to Americans.

The disadvantages will be a large upfront cost to the US government, government run insurance (hopefully not like the DMV), and wait times.

I think that if we came together as Americans and made a solid plan for a National Health Service, had some trust in the process, let President Obama do his job, and every American gave their support and maybe a little extra taxes in a few years we could have a great system. After all, we are Americans and we like to be the best. :)